Defibrillator
East Peckham is one of the first villages in the borough of Tonbridge and Malling to install a defibrillator in order to provide fast-response action for anyone suffering a cardiac arrest in the parish.
Sudden cardiac death can affect anyone at any time, including about 12 people per week in the UK under the age of 35. When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, swift action is critical to ensure survival. However, due to the time it can take an ambulance to reach rural villages survival from cardiac arrest is reduced when compared to major towns – each minute of delay reduces the chance of survival by about 10%. As a result, the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMB) has made it a priority to install defibrillators in rural communities and train villagers to use them.
Modern defibrillators are highly automated, light and portable and are very easy to use. Whilst training ensures users are comfortable in how to use them, it is not imperative and they can be used by anyone. Both the machine and the 999 responder will give you clear instructions on what to do if the need arises.
The emergency services have been advised of the availability of the defibrillators in the village and their locations, anyone requiring its availability will be advised of the access code by dialling 999.
The defibrillators have been installed in 3 locations in the village and are available 24hrs a day:
- on the outside of the Jubilee Hall (by the Parish Office)
- In the phone box outside the library in the centre of the village
- In the phone box at Little Mill opposite the Man of Kent pub